History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c26.s2.1

c26.s2.1

Besides the contemporary historical works, Indian and foreign, there is a lot of contemporary literature to throw light on the social and cultural aspect of the period. Some of the works of Khusrau and Baranī and of those who are mentioned to be great erudites in 'Alāuddīn's reign have been lost, but whatever is left, lends useful information on this point. Reference has been made above to Khusrau's *A‘jāz-i-Khusravī* also known as *Rasāil-ul-A'ijaz* and his *masnavis* as sources of social history. But equally important are the contemporary hagiological books like the *Rāḥatul Qulūb* by Nizāmuddīn Aulīa, *Favāidul Favād* by 'Alā Ḥasan Sajzī, *Afzalul Favād* and *Rāhtul Muhibbīn* by 'Khusrau, *Sairul Aulia* by Amir Khurd, *Miftahul 'Ashqīn* and *Khairul Majālis* by Nāsiruddīn Chirāgh Delhi. These books comprise mostly of the talks between the sūfī saints of our time and their disciples who were derived from all strata of society. Consequently much useful information about food and drink, customs and manners, and society and culture of those days can be culled from them. Since the books are of a religious nature, most of them have been translated into Urdu. The translations are done fairly well.